Category: Emergency Two-Way Radio Info

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Why A MURS Handheld Radio Might Just Be Your Very Best Friend!

MURS Handheld Radio
Typical FRS Radios
Typical older FRS & hybrid FRS/GMRS radios

Many consumers are aware of the FRS Band and hybrid FRS/GMRS radios, commonly referred to as bubble-pack radios or “walkie-talkies,” that you can find at your local electronics, sports or superstore. Many ham/amateur radio users are also aware of dedicated GMRS or commercial “Part 90” radios, which many use on the GMRS Band (although not technically legal).

Another piece of radio spectrum, which is part of the same Personal Radio Service (PRS), that many consumers, hams and commercial radio users aren’t aware of, is the MURS Band. MURS stands for Multi-Use Radio Service, and is a set of 5 VHF channels usable for both personal and business use, does not require a license, and is typically utilized much less than the popular FRS/GMRS bands. Learn more about the MURS Band and view a channel chart here.

Product flyer for the Retevis RT27V MURS Personal Business License-Free Two-Way RadioBeing that MURS is in the VHF range (as opposed to UHF for FRS/GMRS), it’s typically better-suited for rural and outdoor uses. While the MURS rules limit use to 2 Watts, some MURS radios can use external antennas, which allows high-gain antennas and more range than most FRS radios with a fixed/integrated antenna can achieve. Fortunately, BetterSafeRadio has several MURS radios for sale! Our legal FCC-compliant RT27V-MURS radio is our most affordable type-accepted configuration.

Even though there are only 5 MURS channels to choose from, they are often quiet and underutilized, making them a great option for your family or business communications. BetterSafeRadio has designated MURS channel 2 as the Neighborhood Safety Channel for it’s popular Long Beach Safety Radio ( custom radio programming option and available in other areas by request) because of its high availability. Because the band requires no license, individuals families and businesses can use the same channel to coordinate local safety and anti-crime operations, with MURS channel 3 being the unofficial prepper/survivalist emergency channel for disasters, using the 3-3-3 Radio Plan (more on this and our modified radio plan soon). MURS channels 4 & 5 are often used for business, given that they were previously part of the Business Band. You can sometimes still hear stores like Walmart or even some drive-thru restaurants making use of those channels, but in many areas, they are often quiet and unused.

MURS Handheld RadioWith the advantages of using affordable VHF MURS radios like the Retevis RT-27V-MURS and an array of accessories available such as a speaker mic or earpiece, a ReadySafeGo™ MURS handheld radio from BSR might just be your very best friend! 🙂

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FCC Adopts Long Awaited Changes to PRS Bands – GMRS, FRS, CB & MURS

FCC Part 95 Rule Changes for 2017

FCC Part 95 Rule Changes for 2017On May 18th 2017, the FCC adopted parts of a long-standing Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that affects several of the PRS (Personal Radio Service) bands, which include GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), FRS (Family Radio Service), and CB (Citizens Band), now called the CBRS (CB Radio Service). MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) remains largely unchanged. Read the full FCC Report & Order.

Implementation of the rules took effect 30 days after the new order was published on 08/29/17 (effective on 09/28/17), but some of the equipment changes required by the new rules won’t take place for 90 days to 24 months.

We’ll dive deeper into the changes and also what exciting new gear and programming configurations we’ll be offering to take advantage of the new GMRS capabilities in future posts, but in the meantime, here are some bullet points of the rule changes that might affect BetterSafeRadio customers and FRS/GMRS users in general:

  • Hybrid FRS/GMRS “Bubble Pack” or “Blister Pack” radios, sometimes referred to as FRS/GMRS combination radios, will no longer be certified in the future by the FCC. Radios will now only be certified as either FRS, or GMRS (or MURS), etc.
  • FRS radios can now operate on the previously GMRS-only 462 MHz (GMRS ch. 15-22) Channels. Yes, these are the GMRS repeater output frequencies, which could cause even more repeater interference by FRS users (especially considering the next item below), but they will not be allowed to transmit on the repeater input channels, so no repeater use for FRS.
  • FRS radios will now be authorized to use up to 2 Watts ERP (Effective Radiated Power) on FRS 462 MHz frequencies (FRS ch. 1-7), and on the new shared FRS/GMRS 462 MHz frequencies (GMRS ch. 15-22). This means a kid with an FRS radio running 2W next door to you, might be able to mask your repeater reception if they are close to your antenna (although they’ve been doing this with the hybrid FRS/GMRS radios for years).
  • Existing FRS/GMRS hybrid radios that use 2W or less, will now be retro-reclassified as FRS radios, using the new expanded FRS capabilities.
  • Existing FRS/GMRS hybrid radios that put out MORE than 2W, will now be retro-reclassified as GMRS radios, will still require a GMRS license, and will allow the new expanded FRS/GMRS interstitial channels (previously FRS-only ch. 8-14 – see below).
  • GMRS will now become Part 95E (instead of Part 95A), FRS (Part 95B) and MURS (Part 95J) remaining the same.
  • GMRS licenses (and new renewals) will now be good for 10 years ($70 license fee), and still cover your entire immediate family.
  • GMRS radios will remain largely the same, except that they will gain use of the previously FRS-only 467 MHz (ch. 8-14) frequencies, with the same technical limits that previously applied to FRS radios (.5W with a fixed antenna). This adds 7 new shared “interstitial” GMRS channels, giving existing hybrid FRS/GMRS radio users more legal options to find a clear simplex channel (but still shared with all the .5W FRS radios out in the world now).
  • Part 90 certified radios are still not officially legal to transmit with on GMRS, even though the FCC acknowledged that many people use them for such.
  • GMRS will now also allow digital GPS and Short Text Messaging between specific radios, limited to a maximum of 1 second per every 30 seconds, and only on radios that have integrated antennas, and not on repeaters, which will hopefully limit interference to serious GMRS users, but allow these digital services for short-range simplex communications. This does NOT mean you can use DMR or P25 (or any other digital voice encoding) on FRS or GMRS.
  • CB radios (Part 95D) will no longer be required to have their serial number etched onto the outside of their cases.
  • CB operation will no longer be restricted from long-distance “SKIP” communications, although the power limits will remain at 4W on AM and 12W PEP on SSB.

Here’s a handy little chart of the new GMRS/FRS band frequencies, channelized here based on the official FRS channels, and with SHTF Prepper channel use recommendations:

FRS/GMRS Combined Band Plan
[table type=”standard_bordered”]
[trow]
[thcol]Ch[/thcol]
[thcol]Old[/thcol]
[thcol]New[/thcol]
[thcol]Rx
Freq[/thcol]
[thcol]Tx
Freq[/thcol]
[thcol]Mode
FRS, GMRS[/thcol]
[thcol]Power
FRS, GMRS[/thcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]01 CALL[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.5625[/tcol]
[tcol]462.5625[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]02[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.5875[/tcol]
[tcol]462.5875[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]03 EM[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6125[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6125[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]04[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6375[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6375[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]05[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6625[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6625[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]06[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6875[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6875[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]07[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.7125[/tcol]
[tcol]462.7125[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]08[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]467.5625[/tcol]
[tcol]467.5625[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol].5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]09[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]467.5875[/tcol]
[tcol]467.5875[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol].5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]10[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]467.6125[/tcol]
[tcol]467.6125[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol].5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]11[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]467.6375[/tcol]
[tcol]467.6375[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol].5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]12[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]467.6625[/tcol]
[tcol]467.6625[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol].5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]13[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]467.6875[/tcol]
[tcol]467.6875[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol].5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]14[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]467.7125[/tcol]
[tcol]467.7125[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM[/tcol]
[tcol].5W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]15[/tcol]
[tcol]GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.5500[/tcol]
[tcol]462.5500
467.5500[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM, FM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 50W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]16[/tcol]
[tcol]GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.5750[/tcol]
[tcol]462.5750
467.5750[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM, FM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 50W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]17 EM[/tcol]
[tcol]GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6000[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6000
467.6000[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM, FM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 50W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]18[/tcol]
[tcol]GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6250[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6250
467.6250[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM, FM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 50W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]19[/tcol]
[tcol]GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6500[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6500
467.6500[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM, FM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 50W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]20 EM/TR[/tcol]
[tcol]GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6750[/tcol]
[tcol]462.6750
467.6750[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM, FM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 50W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]21[/tcol]
[tcol]GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.7000[/tcol]
[tcol]462.7000
467.7000[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM, FM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 50W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[trow]
[tcol]22[/tcol]
[tcol]GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]FRS/GMRS[/tcol]
[tcol]462.7250[/tcol]
[tcol]462.7250
467.7250[/tcol]
[tcol]NFM, FM[/tcol]
[tcol]2W, 50W[/tcol]
[/trow]
[/table]
(FRS use is not allowed on the 467MHz GMRS Repeater inputs on chs. 15-22 – GMRS allows “wide” FM for simplex or repeater us on chs. 15-22 – NFM = 12.5kHz, FM = 25kHz – CALL = Calling Channel – EM = Emergency/Prepper freq. – TR = Travel Safety & Assistance)

 

While these changes will simplify the rules and expand shared “interstitial” channels in both the FRS and MURS bands, it may also open up GMRS to more interference from newer, 2W FRS radios. We think this change makes MURS even more attractive for personal, business or emergency/prepper SHTF uses, because it’s VHF and still underutilized as compared to FRS/GMRS. The affordable entry-level Retevis RT27V-MURS and RT27-FRS radios are perfect examples.

Now that GMRS will have 22 channels available, 30 if you consider the repeater configurations, older radios like the TERA TR-505 and other limited 16-channel radio users will need to make some decisions as to which channels they want programmed. Those using larger radios (for emergency use only) such as the Wouxun KG-UV7D or Wouxun KG-UV9P, will be able to program and access all of the FRS, GMRS & MURS frequencies (although Part 90 or 15B/97 radios are not type-accepted for transmitting on the FRS/GMRS/MURS bands). BSR will have new legal GMRS and MURS radios soon that will cover all avail channels under the new PRS rules.

What do you think of these changes and how they might affect the bands? Let us know with a comment below… and Be Safe!

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Affordable Commercial Business Two-Way Radios

TERA TR-500 Commercial Ham Two-Way Radio - Assembled Stock

For any public service organization, business, school and industry with an FCC license and outdated, failing or tired two-way business radios, we’ve got the perfect solution for you!

TERA TR-500 Commercial Ham Two-Way Handheld Radio - Assembled SpecsIntroducing the TERA TR-500 Part 90 Commercial Two-Way Land Mobile Radio.

With a build quality and performance that gives Motorola a run for their money at a fraction of the cost, the dual-band, 5 Watt TR-500 is a perfect replacement for your aging analog radio system. Programmable for any VHF or UHF business frequency and with its standard 1600 mAh Li-ion battery pack offering up to 20 hours of use between charges (using battery saver mode), this compact, reliable handheld radio will keep you in contact with your team.

The TERA is also very easy to use, so employee/user training takes about 1 minute, yet it offers several configurable side-button features such as battery level announce, hi/low power toggle, channel locking, scanning, and open-squelch monitor.

TERA 500-Series Handheld Two-Way Radio AccessoriesThe TR-500 is available with numerous accessories, including a 2.75″ flexible stubby antenna for ultimate portability, a 5″ alternate stock antenna, the included 7″ stock antenna, and a 15″ high-gain whip antenna for long distance communications, 2 options for speaker mics (compact or heavy-duty), a 12V battery eliminator for auto use, covert/privacy ear pieces, a magnetic-mount auto antenna, and high-uality nylon radio cases with swivel belt clips, among others. The radio comes with a smart desk charger, but we also offer a 6-bay multi-radio charger for larger installations (by special order only).

This solid yet compact radio is a perfect replacement for expensive Motorola radios, or any other analog VHF/UHF radio and we provide complete custom programming services so you can start using your radio on day one, right out of the box, with our ReadySafeGo™ service, where we charge, program and test every radio before it ships. It’s also compatible with most existing Motorola 2-PIN audio accessories, so you don’t have to re-buy all of your accessories if you already own them!

Great for Public Service, Private Investigators, Auxiliary/Volunteer Fire, EMS and S&R Personnel, Schools & Universities, Construction Crews and many other industries, the durable, FCC Certified TR-500 is rated IP54 dust & water (splash) resistent and has a high-quality, loud audio speaker output, so you’ll never miss a call. This radio can also be used for Part 97 amateur radio communications (by licensed Hams).

The TERA TR-500 is designed, supported and serviced in the USA (Southern California) and comes with a generous, industry leading 2 year limited warranty, protecting your investment.

Contact us today for more details or any questions and we’re happy to help you configure a custom or bulk, discounted package custom tailored for your organization’s two-way communication needs.

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SHTF Scenario: Mobile/Cell Phone or Emergency Two-Way Radio?

No Mobile Network Signal?

In a SHTF scenario, with only one choice, what do you grab, your mobile/cell phone or a commercial-grade dual-band emergency two-way radio?

No Mobile Network Signal?Many people don’t realize that in the event of a serious, extended emergency, disaster or civil unrest, it’s very likely that the mobile/cell towers will go down (or be taken down). There’s even speculation about an EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) weapon being used, which could fry the cell network (but not necessarily handheld radios). As well, if the Internet goes down, then it won’t really matter much if you can find a wi-fi signal – it won’t talk to anything other than a local network, if that.

For my money, besides keeping my smartphone handy, which I keep loaded with survival information and radio frequency/band charts more so than for communications, I would make sure to grab one or more EmComm two-way radios along with as many battery packs as possible, or better yet, a solar charging rig (which we hope to carry as soon as we find a worthy system) that can power my radios and my smartphone.

An emergency handheld radio, especially a dual-band radio that can operate on VHF (MURS) and UHF (GMRS) for ideal communications in both dense urban and more rural, outdoor environments, is a must have for any SHTF bug-out bag. It also pays to invest in a robust radio with a commercial build quality, not your superstore blister-pack radios that are targeted solely towards low-end consumer use – those radios won’t likely be there when you need them (although they may be better than nothing). For not a lot more (especially when you consider a potentially life and death situation), you can own a single radio that’s type-accepted (FCC Certified) to operate on both bands, and believe me, your family, neighbors or associates will thank you for being the one guy (or gal) that had the sense to provide emergency two-way radio communications when they needed it. 🙂

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A Prepper’s Dream SHTF Radio

TERA TR-505 GMRS-MURS Two-Way Radio - Assembled Specs

“Should I have a UHF two-way GMRS radio for urban emergency communications?

How about a VHF MURS radio for more rural/outdoor situations?

I’d really like both, in the same SHTF radio, but with FCC Certification.”

This is a conversation that many peppers have in their own head, and unless you’re willing to forego the certification or carry 2 different SHTF radios, there aren’t many options.

The TERA TR-505 is a US-designed commercial-grade dual-band two-way radio ideal for emergency communications, with a warranty supported in the US and personalized support and custom programming provided by BetterSafeRadio and our ReadySafeGo™ service, so it’s ready to use the second you unpack it.

Some customers have programmed their radio as the ideal bug-out EmComm radio that has both GMRS & MURS bands (and more, like NOAA/NWS WX reception) in the same unit. Now, while the TR-505 has type certification for both of these bands, it can legally only be programmed to transmit on one band at a time. The customer-submitted “GMAX” (shown below) and “GTRV” programming charts shown on the TR-505 product page reveals all of the channels.

Custom programming is available in the TERA TR-505 and it is also PC programmable using an optional USB programming cable and the free TERA software. It’s a real commercial-grade emergency two-way “SHTF” radio with performance far superior of the cheap blister-pack GMRS/FRS radios you find at the superstore, and of course, it does GMRS & MURS (and a lot more with some custom programming).

You can learn more about the TR-505 and our custom radio programming options at BetterSafeRadio.com.